Karen Ward is the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for SkillsUSA Massachusetts. In this role, Karen administers the affairs of SkillsUSA Massachusetts, Inc. working in partnership with the career and technical education community, schools and partners throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As Executive Director she is responsible for coordinating and administering programs and activities, including meetings, conferences, and other co-curricular programs. As Chief Operating Officer, Karen is responsible for overall management of the organization, including finance and budgeting, and working with the Board of Directors and staff to achieve the organization’s strategic imperatives, goals, and objectives.

Karen has served in her role with SkillsUSA Massachusetts, Inc. for 42 years, and served two consecutive terms as a member of the National Board of Directors of SkillsUSA, Inc., and during her terms served as Secretary, Vice President and President thus becoming the first women and former student member to serve as President of the Board of Directors of SkillsUSA, Inc. As a student member, Karen served as a high school national and state officer.

Outside of work, Karen is an avid cyclist and is a proud participant in the Pan-Mass Challenge as a member of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s “Team WOW” (Women on Wheels), and the PMC Winter Cycle event, raising more than $100,000.00 for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Karen also enjoys international travel and navigating the waters off Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts aboard their boat “Let’s Go” with her husband Chris.

Karen is a Certified Non-Profit Executive and Certified State Director (CSD) holding certifications in Membership Development, Conference Management, Communications, Image, Media, Business, Industry Partnerships, Personnel Management, and Operations Management. Karen studied at Emmanuel College in Boston, MA focusing on Educational Leadership and has continued her professional education with work in the field of Education Policy and Leadership and earned a Certificate of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Leslie University, Cambridge, MA. In 2015, the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators honored Karen with the David F. Cronin Award and in 2019 the Massachusetts Vocational Association honored her with the Harold Pride Award. Both honors recognize educators for outstanding service and leadership.